Moving to Spain with Pets: Complete Guide for 2026

Why This Guide Exists

Every year, thousands of families relocate to Spain — and for most pet owners, their dog or cat is a non-negotiable part of the move. Getting the paperwork wrong can mean your pet is refused boarding, quarantined on arrival, or returned to the country of origin at your expense. The rules depend on where you are moving from, what type of animal you have, and how you plan to travel.

This guide covers every step: the legal requirements for bringing pets into Spain, the practicalities of travel, the specific rules around certain dog breeds, finding pet-friendly accommodation, veterinary costs once you arrive, and the Spanish vocabulary you will need at the vet and in daily life. We cover moves from EU countries, the UK (post-Brexit), and non-EU third countries.

The EU Pet Passport: Your Pet's Travel Document

If you are moving from an EU member state, the EU pet passport is the document that makes everything straightforward. Introduced in 2003 and updated under Regulation (EU) No 576/2013, it is the standardised system for moving dogs, cats, and ferrets between EU countries.

What is the EU pet passport?

It is a small blue booklet — officially called the "passport for the movement of pet animals" — issued by an authorised veterinarian in any EU member state. It contains your pet's identification details, vaccination records, and health information. Think of it as your pet's equivalent of a human passport, and it is valid for the animal's lifetime as long as the rabies vaccination is kept current.

The passport records the following: pet species, breed, sex, date of birth, coat colour and any distinguishing features, the microchip number and date of implantation, rabies vaccination dates and product used, and any other required treatments such as tapeworm (Echinococcus) treatment where applicable.

How to get an EU pet passport

Any authorised veterinarian in an EU member state can issue the passport. The process is simple: your vet verifies the microchip, records the details, administers or records the rabies vaccination, and issues the passport. Cost varies by country — typically €15–€30 for the passport itself, plus the cost of any vaccinations needed. In Germany, expect €10–€15 for the passport document; in the Netherlands, around €15–€25; in France, approximately €12–€20. The vaccination costs are additional.

Rabies vaccination: the critical timeline

Rabies vaccination is mandatory for all dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Spain. The rules are strict:

• First-time vaccination: The pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination. The vaccine is not considered valid until 21 days after administration. This means you need to plan at least 21 days ahead of your travel date — ideally more, to allow for any scheduling issues.
• Booster vaccinations: If your pet has been previously vaccinated against rabies and the booster is given within the validity period of the previous vaccination (as stated by the manufacturer, typically one to three years), there is no 21-day waiting period. The booster is valid immediately.
• Documentation: The vaccination must be recorded in the pet passport (for EU pets) or on the health certificate (for non-EU pets) by the administering vet, including the vaccine product name, batch number, manufacturer, and validity period.

Do not underestimate this 21-day rule. If your pet's rabies vaccination was given less than 21 days before your arrival in Spain, your pet can be refused entry. Airlines will check this before boarding, and border officials in Spain can check again on arrival.

Microchip requirement

Every dog, cat, or ferret entering Spain must be identified with a microchip that complies with ISO standard 11784/11785. This is the standard 15-digit transponder used across the EU. The microchip must be implanted before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination — this is critical because a vaccination given before microchipping is not considered valid.

If your pet has an older microchip that does not comply with ISO 11784/11785 (some US and Japanese microchips use different frequencies), you must either have a compliant chip implanted (two chips is fine — the ISO one will be the one scanned) or carry your own compatible reader. In practice, bringing your own reader is impractical. Get the ISO chip implanted.

Moving from EU Countries: The Simple Route

If you are moving from any EU member state — Germany, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Italy, Poland, or any other — the process is the most straightforward version available.

What you need

• EU pet passport with current rabies vaccination (21-day rule for first vaccination, immediate for valid boosters)
• ISO-compliant microchip (implanted before rabies vaccination)
• No additional health certificate required
• No blood tests required
• No quarantine

That is genuinely it. The EU single market for pet movement is one of the simplest systems in the world. You cross the border with your pet passport, and Spain accepts it. No advance notification to Spanish authorities is required for pet owners moving with up to five animals for non-commercial purposes.

Country-specific notes for EU movers

From Germany: German vets are meticulous about the pet passport — yours will be in perfect order. Lufthansa allows pets in the cabin (up to 8 kg including carrier) and in the hold. Many German owners drive to Spain via France, a journey of 18–24 hours depending on your starting point. Your pet is covered throughout — no border checks within the Schengen Area.

From the Netherlands: KLM allows small pets in the cabin on flights to Spain (up to 8 kg including bag). For larger dogs, KLM uses the hold with temperature-controlled compartments. Transavia, popular for budget flights to Alicante and Malaga, allows pets in the cabin up to 10 kg. Many Dutch families drive via France — approximately 16–20 hours from the Randstad to the Costa Blanca. TUI fly does not allow pets at all.

From France: Driving is the most popular option. The journey from Paris to the Costa Blanca is approximately 12–14 hours. Air France permits pets in the cabin up to 8 kg (including carrier) and in the hold for larger animals. French motorway rest areas generally have designated dog-walking areas — look for the "aire de repos" signs.

From Sweden: SAS allows pets in the cabin on European flights (up to 8 kg including carrier). Norwegian Air Shuttle also permits cabin pets on most routes to Spain. Many Swedish families drive via Denmark, Germany, and France — a long journey of 30+ hours but entirely feasible with overnight stops. The Oresund Bridge between Sweden and Denmark charges no additional fee for pets in the car.

From Finland: Finnair allows pets in the cabin (up to 8 kg with carrier) and in the hold. Direct flights from Helsinki to Alicante, Malaga, and Barcelona operate seasonally. Driving from Finland is a serious undertaking — 3,500+ km — but some families combine it with a holiday, stopping in Germany and France.

From Italy: Driving is often the simplest option. From northern Italy, the Costa Brava is 8–10 hours via the French autoroute system. From Rome, expect 16–18 hours to the Costa Blanca. Ryanair, which operates many Italy-Spain routes, does not allow pets (except assistance dogs). Vueling allows pets in the cabin up to 10 kg including carrier, making it the best budget airline option for the Italy-Spain route.

From Poland: LOT Polish Airlines allows pets in the cabin up to 8 kg. Ryanair and Wizz Air, the main budget carriers from Poland to Spain, do not allow pets. Driving from Warsaw to the Costa Blanca is approximately 2,800 km — 28–32 hours of driving, typically done over three days with stops in Germany and France.

From Norway: Norwegian Air Shuttle permits pets in the cabin on European routes. SAS is another option. Norway is not an EU member but is part of the EEA, and Norwegian-issued pet passports are treated identically to EU pet passports for travel to Spain. The same rules apply — microchip, rabies vaccination, pet passport. Driving involves the ferry from Norway to Denmark (Color Line, DFDS, or Fjord Line all accept pets, usually requiring them to stay in the car or in dedicated pet cabins) followed by the drive through Denmark, Germany, and France.

Moving from the UK (Post-Brexit): The New Reality

Since 1 January 2021, the UK is a third country for the purposes of EU pet travel regulation. The EU pet passport is no longer valid for UK-based pets. This is one of the tangible, everyday consequences of Brexit that affects thousands of pet-owning families every year.

What UK pet owners need: the Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

Instead of a pet passport, UK pet owners need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), officially known as a "veterinary certificate for the non-commercial movement of dogs, cats or ferrets into the EU." Key points:

• Issued by: An Official Veterinarian (OV) — not just any vet. Your regular vet may be an OV, or you may need to find one. The APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) maintains a list.
• Validity: The AHC is valid for only 10 days from the date of issue for entry into the EU, then for 4 months of onward travel within the EU. This is a tight window — you must time everything carefully.
• Cost: £100–£250 depending on the vet. This is significantly more expensive than the old EU pet passport system. Some OVs charge per animal, others per visit. Shop around.
• Tapeworm treatment: Dogs (not cats) must receive an Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 24–120 hours (1–5 days) before arrival in Spain. This must be recorded on the AHC.
• Repeat travel: Unlike the pet passport (which lasted a lifetime), you need a new AHC for every trip from the UK to the EU. If you plan to go back and forth between the UK and Spain, this becomes a recurring cost and logistical task. Once you become a Spanish resident and register your pet with a Spanish vet, you can obtain an EU pet passport in Spain, which simplifies future travel within the EU — though returning to the UK still requires the UK's separate import process.

Good news: the UK is a Part 1 listed country

The UK is on the EU's list of "Part 1" third countries, meaning it has a favourable status for pet travel. This means no rabies antibody blood test is required (unlike countries on Part 2 or unlisted countries), and no quarantine applies. The process is more paperwork-heavy than the old pet passport system, but it is manageable.

Travel options from the UK

Eurotunnel (Le Shuttle): The most popular route for pet owners driving to Spain. Pets travel in the car through the Channel Tunnel. Eurotunnel is famously pet-friendly — they even have a dedicated pet reception area at Folkestone for the AHC check. No carrier required in the car. Cost is part of your vehicle ticket. From Calais, it is approximately 14–16 hours' driving to the Costa Blanca via the French and Spanish motorway systems.

Ferries: Brittany Ferries operates direct routes from Portsmouth and Plymouth to Santander and Bilbao in northern Spain — a 24–36 hour crossing that avoids the long drive through France. Pets are allowed and must stay in your vehicle or in dedicated pet-friendly cabins (available on most ships for an additional fee of £30–£50). P&O Ferries and DFDS operate Channel crossings where pets stay in the vehicle.

Flights: British Airways allows pets in the hold only — not in the cabin. Costs vary by route but typically £100–£300 per animal each way. easyJet and Ryanair do not allow pets (except assistance dogs). Vueling, Iberia, and other Spanish carriers allow cabin pets on some routes, but you must check specific policies. Many UK pet owners use specialist pet transport companies — these cost £800–£2,000+ but handle all logistics including the AHC paperwork, travel arrangements, and delivery to your Spanish address.

Moving from Non-EU Third Countries

If you are moving to Spain from a country outside the EU and outside the UK — the United States, Canada, Australia, Russia, Ukraine, or other countries — additional requirements apply.

Part 1 listed countries (favourable status)

Countries including the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and several others are on the EU's Part 1 list. From these countries, you need:

• ISO-compliant microchip
• Valid rabies vaccination (21-day rule for first vaccination)
• EU-format health certificate issued by an official government veterinarian, completed within 10 days of travel
• No blood test required
• No quarantine

From the US, the USDA-APHIS must endorse the health certificate. This is a two-step process: your private vet completes the certificate, then you submit it to your local USDA-APHIS office for endorsement. Allow at least two weeks for this process. Cost is typically $100–$200 for the vet certificate plus $38 for the USDA endorsement.

Part 2 listed and unlisted countries

From countries not on the Part 1 list — including Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, most African and Asian countries, and many South American countries — the requirements are significantly more demanding:

• ISO-compliant microchip
• Rabies vaccination
• Rabies antibody titre test: A blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after vaccination and tested at an EU-approved laboratory. The result must show an antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The pet cannot enter the EU until 3 months after the date of the blood sample that produced a satisfactory result. This three-month waiting period is the biggest hurdle for movers from these countries.
• EU-format health certificate issued within 10 days of travel

There is no quarantine on arrival in Spain if all documentation is correct. However, if paperwork is incomplete or invalid, the pet may be quarantined at the owner's expense, returned to the country of origin, or in extreme cases, euthanised. Do not take shortcuts with the paperwork.

Travelling with Your Pet: Practical Options

Flying with pets

Airlines vary enormously in their pet policies. Here is a summary of the major carriers for Spain routes:

• Iberia: Pets in cabin up to 8 kg (including carrier). Hold transport for larger animals. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds not accepted in the hold May–October due to heat risk. Cost: €50–€150 cabin, varies for hold.
• Vueling: Pets in cabin up to 10 kg including carrier — one of the most generous cabin weight limits. Cost: approximately €40–€60 per flight.
• Lufthansa: Cabin up to 8 kg, hold for larger. One of the most experienced airlines for pet transport. Brachycephalic restrictions apply.
• KLM: Cabin up to 8 kg, hold for larger. Temperature-controlled hold compartments.
• Air France: Cabin up to 8 kg, hold for larger. Well-established pet transport programme.
• SAS: Cabin up to 8 kg. Hold transport available on most aircraft.
• Norwegian: Cabin up to 8 kg. Budget-friendly option from Scandinavia.
• Ryanair: No pets except assistance dogs. This catches many buyers off guard — Ryanair is the largest carrier on many routes to Spain.
• easyJet: No pets except assistance dogs.
• Wizz Air: No pets except assistance dogs.
• British Airways: Hold only. No cabin pets. Cost varies.

Cabin requirements: The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Maximum dimensions vary by airline but typically 40 x 30 x 20 cm to 55 x 40 x 20 cm. Soft-sided carriers are generally preferred. The pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down inside the carrier. Book your pet's place at the time of booking your ticket — most airlines limit cabin pets to one or two per flight.

Hold requirements: Your pet travels in an IATA-approved rigid carrier in the temperature and pressure-controlled cargo compartment. Airlines generally require the carrier to be large enough for the pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Water must be available. A familiar blanket or toy is recommended. Label the carrier with your name, flight details, and destination address. Many owners worry about hold travel, but airlines with proper pet programmes maintain the same temperature and pressure conditions as the passenger cabin.

Breed restrictions: Most airlines will not transport brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds in the hold during summer months — this includes Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, Pekingese, and Shih Tzus. These breeds are prone to respiratory distress in warm conditions. Some airlines refuse them year-round. If you have a brachycephalic breed, cabin transport or driving is your safest option.

Driving with pets to Spain

Driving is often the least stressful option for pets — particularly dogs who are accustomed to car travel. Key considerations:

• Journey planning: Break the journey into segments of no more than 4–5 hours of driving between stops. Dogs need to stretch, drink water, and relieve themselves. Plan your overnight stops at pet-friendly hotels — booking.com has a pet-friendly filter that works well across Europe.
• Vehicle safety: In Spain (and most EU countries), pets must be properly secured in the vehicle. This means a travel crate, harness attached to the seatbelt system, or a boot guard/barrier for the cargo area. Loose animals in the car are a traffic violation in Spain and can invalidate your insurance.
• Summer travel: Never leave a pet in a parked car in southern Europe, even for minutes. Interior temperatures can exceed 60°C within 15 minutes. This is a criminal offence in Spain under animal protection laws.
• Water and food: Carry plenty of water. Feed your pet a light meal 3–4 hours before departure. Avoid feeding during the journey to reduce car sickness.
• French toll roads: The French autoroute system is the fastest route from northern Europe to Spain. Many aires (rest areas) have designated dog-walking zones. The Peage system accepts credit cards, so no need to carry large amounts of cash.
• Border crossings: Within the Schengen Area (all EU countries on the route), there are no border checks. Your pet passport will not be inspected en route, though you must carry it. If crossing from the UK via the Channel Tunnel or ferry, the AHC check happens at departure.

Banned and Restricted Dog Breeds in Spain: PPP Laws

Spain has specific legislation governing dogs classified as Perros Potencialmente Peligrosos (PPP) — Potentially Dangerous Dogs. This is one of the most important things to understand before moving to Spain with certain breeds, because the consequences of non-compliance are serious: fines of €2,400 to €15,000, seizure of the dog, and potential criminal charges.

Which breeds are classified as PPP?

The national law (Royal Decree 287/2002) lists the following breeds as potentially dangerous:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Rottweiler
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Tosa Inu
• Akita Inu

Additionally, any dog that meets certain physical characteristics — regardless of breed — can be classified as PPP. These characteristics include a weight over 20 kg, a muscular build, a large head with strong jaws, a wide and short neck, and a broad and deep chest. Crossbreeds of listed breeds are also included. Some autonomous communities (regions) in Spain have extended the list — for example, the Canary Islands includes additional breeds.

What PPP owners must do

If your dog is classified or potentially classifiable as PPP, you must:

• Obtain a PPP licence (Licencia para la tenencia de animales potencialmente peligrosos): Apply at your local ayuntamiento (town hall). Requirements include being over 18, having no criminal record, physical and psychological aptitude certificates (certificado de aptitud psicofisica — obtained from an authorised medical centre, cost approximately €30–€50), and civil liability insurance covering at least €120,000 in damages.
• Civil liability insurance: Mandatory, covering at least €120,000. This is specific insurance for PPP dogs and costs approximately €50–€150 per year depending on the provider and breed.
• Register the dog: Your PPP must be registered in the municipal register of potentially dangerous animals (Registro Municipal de Animales Potencialmente Peligrosos).
• Muzzle and lead: In all public spaces, PPP dogs must wear a muzzle and be on a non-extendable lead of no more than 2 metres. One person can walk only one PPP dog at a time.

Many expats with Staffordshire Bull Terriers or similar breeds are surprised by these requirements. In the UK, Staffies are popular family pets. In Spain, they are classified as potentially dangerous. Plan accordingly and budget for the insurance and licensing costs before you move.

Finding Pet-Friendly Rental Property

This is one of the biggest practical challenges for pet owners moving to Spain. Finding rental accommodation that accepts pets — particularly dogs — is significantly harder than most people expect.

The reality of the Spanish rental market

An estimated 70–80% of rental listings in Spain specify "no mascotas" (no pets). Landlords in Spain have the legal right to refuse pets under the Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos (LAU), and most exercise that right. The reasons are straightforward from the landlord's perspective: risk of damage (particularly to wooden floors and furniture), noise complaints from neighbours (barking), and potential issues with the community of owners who may have building-wide pet restrictions.

Your options:

• Negotiate directly: Some landlords who list "no pets" will consider it with a higher deposit or monthly premium. Offer a pet deposit of one to two additional months' rent. Provide references from previous landlords. Offer to have the property professionally cleaned at the end of the tenancy.
• Use pet-friendly search filters: Idealista (Spain's largest property portal) has a "se admiten mascotas" filter. Fotocasa has a similar option. Use these filters but also search without them, as some landlords are flexible but have not ticked the box.
• Consider houses over apartments: Landlords of houses with gardens are more likely to accept pets than apartment owners, particularly for dogs. Community rules in apartment buildings frequently restrict pets or prohibit dogs over a certain size.
• Rural and semi-rural areas: Properties outside town centres and in less densely populated areas are more pet-friendly. Fincas and country houses almost always accept pets.
• Long-term lets vs. tourist lets: For long-term rental contracts (more than 11 months), you have more negotiating power. Landlords prefer stable tenants, and accepting a pet is a concession some will make to secure a reliable long-term income.

Budget extra time for your property search if you have pets. What might take two weeks without pets could take six to eight weeks with a dog, particularly in popular expat areas where demand is high.

Veterinary Costs in Spain

One of the pleasant surprises for pet owners arriving in Spain is that veterinary care is generally more affordable than in northern Europe and significantly cheaper than in the UK. The quality of veterinary care is high — many Spanish vets have trained or worked internationally, and well-equipped veterinary hospitals are found in all coastal towns and cities.

Typical costs (2025–2026 prices)

These prices are broadly comparable to or lower than equivalent costs in Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Scandinavia, and typically 30–50% lower than the UK. Specialist procedures and surgeries can cost more, but the baseline of veterinary care is affordable.

Most Spanish vets operate on a walk-in or same-day appointment basis — you can usually see a vet within 24 hours, often the same day. In expat areas, many vets speak English, German, or Dutch in addition to Spanish. Ask your local expat community for recommendations — word of mouth is the most reliable guide to finding a good vet.

Pet Insurance in Spain

Pet insurance is not mandatory in Spain (except the civil liability insurance required for PPP breeds), but it is increasingly popular and can save significant money if your pet develops a chronic condition or needs emergency surgery.

Main providers

• Mapfre (Seguro de mascotas): Spain's largest insurer offers comprehensive pet policies. Coverage includes veterinary fees, surgery, hospitalisation, civil liability, and theft. Plans start from approximately €15–€20 per month for basic coverage and €30–€40 per month for comprehensive policies. Mapfre has the widest network of partner clinics in Spain.
• Santevet: Originally a French company, now well-established in Spain. Offers flexible coverage with different reimbursement levels (60%, 70%, 80% of vet costs). Monthly costs range from €20–€45 depending on coverage level, breed, and age. No partner clinic restrictions — you can use any vet.
• Barkibu: A Spanish insurtech company offering digital-first pet insurance. Known for a straightforward claims process via their app. Plans from approximately €20–€35 per month. They also offer a free veterinary chat service for quick questions.
• Caser: A well-known Spanish insurance company with a dedicated pet product. Competitive pricing and good coverage for both dogs and cats.

When comparing policies, pay attention to: waiting periods (typically 30 days for illness, 48 hours for accidents), annual coverage limits, breed-specific exclusions, age limits for enrollment (most insurers will not enroll pets over 8–10 years old), and pre-existing condition exclusions. Pet insurance in Spain typically costs €20–€40 per month — significantly less than equivalent coverage in the UK, where premiums have risen sharply in recent years.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Spain

Spain has made significant progress in providing designated dog-friendly beaches, though the rules are more restrictive than many northern Europeans expect. Understanding the seasonal system is essential to avoid fines.

How the system works

Most Spanish beaches prohibit dogs during the summer season, typically from 15 June to 15 September (exact dates vary by municipality). Outside this period — from approximately mid-September to mid-June — many beaches allow dogs, though this varies by location. Designated "playas caninas" (dog beaches) allow dogs year-round, including summer.

Notable dog-friendly beaches by region

• Costa Blanca: Playa de la Escollera (Villajoyosa), Playa de Agua Amarga (Alicante), Cala del Moraig (Benitachell — low season only), Playa del Barranc d'Aigues (Campello). The Alicante province has been expanding its network of dog beaches, with several municipalities adding new playas caninas each year.
• Costa del Sol: Playa de Ventura del Mar (Marbella), Playa Arroyo Totalán (Malaga), Playa del Castillo de Fuengirola. Malaga city itself has Playa del Dedo.
• Catalonia / Costa Brava: Catalonia is generally the most dog-friendly region in Spain. Playa de Llevant (Barcelona) is one of the few urban dog beaches in the country.
• Valencia: Playa de Pinedo (Valencia city), Playa de la Escollera Norte (Sagunto).
• Canary Islands: Several designated dog beaches on Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The mild year-round climate makes these particularly attractive.

Outside designated dog beaches and outside summer season, rules vary significantly by municipality. Some towns allow dogs on all beaches from October to May. Others restrict dogs year-round except at designated spots. Always check with the local ayuntamiento or look for signage on the beach. Fines for having a dog on a non-permitted beach range from €30 to €750 depending on the municipality.

Registering Your Pet: Empadronamiento and Census

Once you settle in Spain, you should register your pet with local authorities. This is separate from registering the pet's microchip (which your vet will do).

Municipal pet census (Censo municipal de animales de compania)

Most Spanish municipalities require pet owners to register their animals in the local pet census. This is done at the ayuntamiento (town hall) or online in larger cities. You will need your NIE or DNI, proof of address, the pet's microchip number, vaccination card or passport, and (for PPP breeds) your PPP licence and insurance certificate.

Registration is typically free or costs a nominal fee of €5–€15. The census helps authorities reunite lost pets with their owners and maintain public health records. While enforcement is inconsistent, it is a legal requirement in most autonomous communities and you should comply.

Additionally, Spain introduced a national pet registry (REIAC — Red Espanola de Identificacion de Animales de Compania) that links regional databases. Your vet will typically handle the microchip registration in this system when you first visit.

Essential Spanish Vocabulary for Pet Owners

You will need these words and phrases at the vet, at the pet shop, at the beach, and in daily life:

Basic terms

• Perro — Dog
• Gato — Cat
• Mascota — Pet
• Cachorro — Puppy
• Gatito — Kitten
• Veterinario / Veterinaria — Vet (male / female or clinic)
• Clinica veterinaria — Veterinary clinic
• Correa — Lead/leash
• Bozal — Muzzle
• Collar — Collar
• Arnes — Harness
• Comedero — Food bowl
• Bebedero — Water bowl
• Pienso — Dry food / kibble
• Comida humeda — Wet food
• Tienda de animales / tienda de mascotas — Pet shop

At the vet

• Vacuna — Vaccination
• Vacuna antirrábica — Rabies vaccination
• Desparasitación — Deworming
• Desparasitación externa — Flea/tick treatment
• Castrar / esterilizar — To neuter / to spay
• Microchip — Microchip (same word)
• Cartilla de vacunación — Vaccination booklet
• Pasaporte de mascota — Pet passport
• Análisis de sangre — Blood test
• Radiografía — X-ray
• Urgencias — Emergency / emergency department
• Receta — Prescription
• Mi perro está enfermo — My dog is sick
• Mi gato no come — My cat is not eating
• Necesita una vacuna — He/she needs a vaccination

Useful phrases

• ¿Se admiten mascotas? — Are pets allowed?
• ¿Hay playa para perros? — Is there a dog beach?
• ¿Dónde hay un veterinario? — Where is there a vet?
• Necesito la licencia PPP — I need the PPP licence
• Perros con correa — Dogs on lead (sign you will see frequently)
• Prohibido perros — Dogs prohibited (common sign)
• Zona de esparcimiento canino — Dog park / off-lead area
• Recoja los excrementos de su perro — Pick up after your dog (sign you will see everywhere)

Additional Tips for a Smooth Move

• Leishmaniasis: This is a serious parasitic disease transmitted by sandfly bites, common in Mediterranean regions including most of Spain. There is no equivalent risk in northern Europe or the UK. Discuss preventive measures with your Spanish vet — options include a Scalibor collar (€15–€25, effective for 6–12 months), spot-on treatments containing permethrin, and the Letifend vaccine (approximately €40–€60, annual). Prevention is essential because treatment is lifelong and expensive.
• Processionary caterpillars (Procesionaria del pino): Found across Spain from January to April. Their nests look like white cotton-candy balls in pine trees. The caterpillars' hairs are extremely toxic to dogs — contact causes severe inflammation of the tongue and mouth, and can be fatal. Keep dogs away from pine trees during this season and learn to recognise the nests.
• Heat: Spanish summers are brutal for pets, particularly dogs with thick coats, brachycephalic breeds, and elderly animals. Walk dogs early morning (before 9 am) and late evening (after 8 pm) in summer. The pavement test: place your hand on the ground for 5 seconds — if it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your pet's paws. Always carry water.
• Pet shops and supplies: Kiwoko is Spain's largest pet supply chain, with stores in most cities and a good online shop. TiendaAnimal is the leading online pet supply store. Prices for food and supplies are comparable to or slightly lower than northern European prices.
• Adopting in Spain: Spain has a significant stray and abandoned dog problem. If you are considering getting a second pet after your move, local shelters (protectoras) and rescue organisations have thousands of dogs and cats looking for homes. Adoption fees are typically €50–€150 and include vaccination, microchipping, and sterilisation.

Summary: Your Pre-Move Checklist

• At least 3 months before: Check your pet's microchip is ISO 11784/11785 compliant. If not, have a compliant chip implanted.
• At least 2 months before (non-EU/non-Part 1 countries): Arrange rabies antibody titre blood test.
• At least 30 days before: Ensure rabies vaccination is current. If first vaccination, it must be at least 21 days before travel.
• 7–10 days before (UK): Visit an Official Veterinarian for the Animal Health Certificate.
• 1–5 days before (UK, dogs only): Tapeworm treatment.
• Confirm airline/ferry pet booking and carrier dimensions.
• Research PPP requirements if applicable to your breed.
• Begin searching for pet-friendly rental accommodation early — allow extra weeks.
• On arrival: Register with a local vet, obtain EU pet passport (if coming from outside EU), register pet in municipal census.
• Discuss leishmaniasis prevention with your Spanish vet immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

The EU Pet Passport: Your Pet's Travel Document?

If you are moving from an EU member state, the EU pet passport is the document that makes everything straightforward. Introduced in 2003 and updated under Regulation (EU) No 576/2013, it is the standardised system for moving dogs, cats, and ferrets between EU countries. What is the EU pet passport? It is a small blue booklet — officially called the "passport for the movement of pet animals" — issued by an authorised veterinarian in any EU member state. It contains your pet's identification details, vaccination records, and health information. Think of it as your pet's equivalent of a human passport, and it is valid for the animal's lifetime as long as the rabies vaccination is kept current.

Moving from the UK (Post-Brexit): The New Reality?

Since 1 January 2021, the UK is a third country for the purposes of EU pet travel regulation. The EU pet passport is no longer valid for UK-based pets. This is one of the tangible, everyday consequences of Brexit that affects thousands of pet-owning families every year. What UK pet owners need: the Animal Health Certificate (AHC) Instead of a pet passport, UK pet owners need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), officially known as a "veterinary certificate for the non-commercial movement of dogs, cats or ferrets into the EU." Key points:

Travelling with Your Pet: Practical Options?

Flying with pets Airlines vary enormously in their pet policies. Here is a summary of the major carriers for Spain routes: Iberia: Pets in cabin up to 8 kg (including carrier). Hold transport for larger animals. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds not accepted in the hold May–October due to heat risk. Cost: €50–€150 cabin, varies for hold. Vueling: Pets in cabin up to 10 kg including carrier — one of the most generous cabin weight limits. Cost: approximately €40–€60 per flight. Lufthansa: Cabin up to 8 kg, hold for larger. One of the most experienced airlines for pet transport. Brachycephalic restrictions apply. KLM: Cabin up to 8 kg, hold for larger. Temperature-controlled hold compartments. Air France: Cabin up to 8 kg, hold for larger. Well-established pet transport programme. SAS: Cabin up to 8 kg. Hold transport available on most aircraft. Norwegian: Cabin up to 8 kg. Budget-friendly option from Scandinavia. Ryanair: No...

Finding Pet-Friendly Rental Property?

This is one of the biggest practical challenges for pet owners moving to Spain. Finding rental accommodation that accepts pets — particularly dogs — is significantly harder than most people expect. The reality of the Spanish rental market An estimated 70–80% of rental listings in Spain specify "no mascotas" (no pets). Landlords in Spain have the legal right to refuse pets under the Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos (LAU), and most exercise that right. The reasons are straightforward from the landlord's perspective: risk of damage (particularly to wooden floors and furniture), noise complaints from neighbours (barking), and potential issues with the community of owners who may have building-wide pet restrictions.

Pet Insurance in Spain?

Pet insurance is not mandatory in Spain (except the civil liability insurance required for PPP breeds), but it is increasingly popular and can save significant money if your pet develops a chronic condition or needs emergency surgery. Main providers Mapfre (Seguro de mascotas): Spain's largest insurer offers comprehensive pet policies. Coverage includes veterinary fees, surgery, hospitalisation, civil liability, and theft. Plans start from approximately €15–€20 per month for basic coverage and €30–€40 per month for comprehensive policies. Mapfre has the widest network of partner clinics in Spain. Santevet: Originally a French company, now well-established in Spain. Offers flexible coverage with different reimbursement levels (60%, 70%, 80% of vet costs). Monthly costs range from €20–€45 depending on coverage level, breed, and age. No partner clinic restrictions — you can use any vet. Barkibu: A Spanish insurtech company offering digital-first pet insurance. Known for a straightforward claims process via their app. Plans...